CATEGORIES

INGREDIENTS

Servings: 2

1 ripe banana

1 ounce dark chocolate

DIRECTIONS

Cut banana into slices. Melt dark chocolate in a baggy in the microwave (watch carefully, it can burn). Poke a hole in the baggy and drizzle melted chocolate onto banana pieces. Freeze then serve. Serves 2.

RECIPE BACKSTORY

Power in its Own Little Package:
According to the Chiquita Bananas company, bananas are the world’s most popular fruit - we eat more bananas than apples and oranges combined. In fact, the average American eats 27 pounds of bananas every year. Here are more interesting banana facts from Chiquita Bananas (http://www.chiquitabananas.com/):
The American Heart Association has certified bananas as a heart-healthy food when eaten as part of a low-fat balanced diet. Although many factors contribute to heart health, bananas are a good source of potassium, essential to the health of your heart and nervous system. Potassium is needed for proper muscle contraction and your heart is the hardest working muscle in your body.
Bananas include tryptophan, an amino acid that helps your body produce serotonin, a natural substance that has a calming effect on the brain and can act as a gentle sedative. The vitamin B6, which regulates blood glucose levels, can also have a positive effect on your mood.
Bananas also have high levels of natural vitamin B6, which helps your body produce hemoglobin, a critical component in blood. Plus, B6 helps your body's immune system and antibody production. And it enables your body to convert carbohydrates to glucose to maintain the correct blood sugar level. Bananas are also a good source of manganese, a powerful antioxidant that aids in regulating blood sugar levels.